Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir

Guild of Bowyers, Smiths, and Fletchers

The Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir are a guild of bowyers, smiths, and fletchers based in Mhiilamniir and its surrounding districts, with members being skilled craftspeople who focus on the making of bows, crossbows, and other ranged weaponry. Most apprentices that the guild takes on as prospective members are drawn from the ranks of Eaerlann's skirmisher militia, whereupon they are given instruction in their chosen field of expertise by masters of the craft for around five to seven years. The guild supplies weapons and ammunition for the Mhiilamniir Army, the militia, and anyone who wants to buy their works, although guild members and military representatives are given a considerable discount. Their headquarters are based in the Commerce Ward of Mhiilamniir, and the current High Bowmaster is Syndra Venvaris.

Structure

The Bowmasters organise their members based on the level of skill in their chosen profession. Although apprentices are not technically full members of the guild, they are considered provisional members with some access to guild benefits; usually this is in the form of an appointment of a skilled master to learn from, plus limited access to materials to work with. Depending on the leniency of a master, as well as the promise shown by an apprentice, their rights can be extended or restricted as the guild sees fit. After a period of five to seven years of training, an apprentice is usually ready to start working more independently, either in their own workshop if they are able to provide themselves with one, or alongside a master in his or her workshop. At this point they become Journeymen; full members of the guild with all the benefits that come with it. This means access to better materials, schematics, and guild-subsidised lodgings if needed. However, a Journeyman is also required to start paying guild fees, which usually starts at around 5gp a month. Sometimes a guild member who shows good business acumen and sales patter will be given the opportunity to run one of the guild's stores, of which there are three across the Realm of Eaerlann (Commerce Ward of Mhiilamniir, Orallenor, and Elfhame's Landing). Generally this post is only given to Bowmasters, but Journeymen have been known to occupy the position; the most recent was Kaylee Moonfire, who took over the Commerce Ward store with her partner, Ayda yi Keltar.

Apprentice	Journeyman	Bowmaster	High Bowmaster
Period of training lasting 5-7 years.	Achieved after completing apprenticeship.	Attained once proven capable of producing a masterwork. Held for life or until higher appointment.	Only held by one person; leader of the guild.

Once a Journeyman has proven their ability to create items that could be considered 'masterworks', they are elevated to the rank of Bowmaster, which essentially gives them the right to be known as a master of the craft. In addition to being able to take on apprentices, they are given access to the finest and rarest materials the guild has to offer, as well as joining what is known as 'The Collective'. The Collective is the guild's council of masters, who convene every month or so to discuss internal guild matters and their business practices with the High Bowmaster. When a new High Bowmaster is needing to be elected, The Collective will cast their votes for various individuals who wish to step into the role, with no one being able to vote for themselves. The High Bowmaster, being the elected leader of the guild, is the face and voice of the organisation, with most disputes over members and public relations being directed to them. They have to love administration and politics as much as they love their profession, the latter of which they find themselves spending less and less time doing. Most High Bowmasters throughout the guild's history have been older members who would prefer to hand over the running of their workshop to one of the many apprentices they have likely taught over the years, or who have an ambition to grow the guild beyond what it currently is.  

Public Agenda

The Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir have always focused heavily on their military contracts rather than private interests, especially seeing as most of their members serve in the militia or have served in the Mhiilamniir Army. Bowmasters especially are encouraged to take commissions from private buyers to establish the guild's reputation both at home and in foreign lands, in addition to generating income, although this must not come at the expense of fulfilling military orders. The guild's official mandate revolves around three crucial points:

• To demonstrate excellence in the art of crafting ranged weapons, and in the proper training of using them.
• To aid in the defence of Mhiilamniir, its districts, and outlying settlements by providing manpower and the finest ranged weapons.
• To encourage young skirmishers in achieving their very best, and fostering an interest in the care and crafting of ranged weapons.

The guild often uses its Bowmasters - the majority of which are veteran militiamen that train children - to keep an eye out for future prospective members, by looking for young people that not only show a great talent in using ranged weapons, but also a care in the more mundane tasks, such as oiling the mechanisms of a crossbow or fletching the arrows and bolts. Sometimes, the guild puts on demonstrations, whether that be in using a ranged weapon or workshops on the care and repair of them, as well as hosting archery tournaments for young people to participate in. In general, the idea is to educate the public, especially young people, on the proper etiquette around what are essentially deadly weapons.

Thys si Thysaer Shi Kyrn (Common: From the Forest We Grow)

Founding Date

5th Marpenoth 945 RH

Type

Guild, Craftsmen

Alternative Names

Bowmasters; Bowmasters Guild

Leader Title

High Bowmaster

Location

Mhiilamniir

Related Ranks & Titles

• Bowmaster

Notable Members

• Ayda yi Keltar
• Kaylee Alaya Moonfire